Hearing & Legal Services Specialist

Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government!

ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE RESUME IS CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ONLY. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE OR INDICATE 'SEE RESUME' WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

The Department of Family Services is pivotal in administering state and county programs that provide essential support and protection for children, families, individuals, and the aging population. Our services, aligned with local, state, and federal mandates, aim to enhance individual and family stability. The Department of Family Services is commissioned to empower individuals and families to lead fulfilling lives, respecting their right to self-determination. In actualizing this mission, we have aligned our policy, practice, and personnel to serve those most vulnerable.

The Loudoun County Department of Family Services (DFS) is seeking a talented and highly motivated individual to fill a full-time position as a Hearing and Legal Services Specialist. This position schedules and conducts administrative meetings/hearings regarding Child Protective Services (CPS) Local Appeals and Adult Protective Services (APS) Right to Review hearings to ensure that decisions comply with state and federal laws and policies. This position also serves as the department's legislative liaison, reviewing proposed legislation and coordinating the department's input to the county's position on proposed legislation and providing advice as an in-house legislative and policy consultant. Additionally, the position will also provide mandated child abuse reporter training for department staff and other mandated child abuse reporters in the community. This role is also responsible for reviewing and analyzing investigative reports and preparing legal documents.

Under the general direction of the Quality, Data, and Compliance (QDC) Manager, this critical position will:
* Preside over hearings for CPS and APS in accordance with established legal procedures and guidelines.
* Review case files, listen to testimonies, examine evidence, and ensure a fair and impartial hearing process.
* Consult with the County Attorney's Office and Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).
* Research statutes, regulations, ordinances and other laws applicable to Social Services to include CPS and APS.
* Create legal memorandums, orders, petitions, motions, pleadings, discovery, requests, contracts, warrants, restraining orders, etc.
* Prepare documents for court hearings.
* Draft legal correspondence to facilitate resolution of issues with cases.
* Respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
* Conduct complex legal research and review cases.
* Monitors and coordinates case and court processes.
* Acts as a bridge by facilitating communication and collaboration between the Department, legal counsel, and the court system.
* Perform other duties as assigned.

A successful candidate will be detail oriented, highly collaborative with strong communication skills, and persistent in the face of obstacles or challenges. The candidate will also have the ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships internally, as well as with partners external to DFS.

Salary Commensurate with Experience.

Bachelor's degree in a discipline such as Social Work, Public Administration, Public Policy, or related field; three (3) years of related work experience in areas such as social or human services, legal work, or legislative or policy analysis; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Juris Doctor degree is preferred.

Pass pre-employment criminal, credit, fingerprinting, and DMV background checks. Valid driver's license and good driving record (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification).

Hold or obtain a Notary Public certificate within 90 days of hire (when required for job-related duties).